Photocatalytic Degradation of Dye C.I. Direct Blue 78 Using TiO2 Nanoparticles Immobilized on Recycled Wool-Based Nonwoven Material

• Published in: Clean : soil, air, water air, water, 2013-10, Vol.41 (10), p.1002-1009
• Main Authors: Marković, Darka, Jokić, Bojan, Šaponjić, Zoran, Potkonjak, Branislav, Jovančić, Petar, Radetić, Maja
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adsorption; Biodegradable materials; C.I. Direct Blue 78; Fibers; Photodegradation; Wastewater treatment; Wool
• ISSN: 1863-0650; 1863-0669
• DOI: 10.1002/clen.201200413

This paper discusses the possibility of immobilization of TiO2 nanoparticles onto recycled wool‐based nonwoven material, which can be utilized for removal of dyes from wastewater. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles deposited on the nonwoven material was evaluated in the aqueous solution of direct dye C.I. Direct Blue 78 under the UV illumination. Nonwoven material modified with TiO2 nanoparticles provides complete removal of dye from the solution already after 4–6 h of UV illumination. However, photodegradation of the dye adsorbed on the nonwoven material was obtained within 24 h of UV illumination. The rate of dye adsorption and photodegradation depends on the amount of deposited TiO2 nanoparticles. The increase of initial dye concentration induced decrease in photocatalytic efficiency of immobilized TiO2 nanoparticles. The highest photodegradation rate was achieved in acidic conditions. Elevated temperatures positively affected the removal of dye from solution. Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles deposited on nonwoven material was preserved after three photodegradation cycles. SEM and AAS analysis showed that impregnation of the nonwoven material with suspensions containing high concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles results in a larger amount of deposited TiO2 nanoparticles. Fast adsorption and photodegradation of dye C.I. Direct Blue 78 could be seen with these samples.